I am trying to install winrar on my clients desktop via ACtive directory server 2022, Is it possible to do that centrally and that a .exe file?

Hello Monika Bisht,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

You can use Group Policy to deploy software, but as you mentioned, it typically works with .msi files. To deploy an .exe file like WinRAR, you can use a startup script via Group Policy to run the .exe file.

Here's how you can achieve this with a startup script:

1.Prepare the WinRAR installation script:

Create a batch file (.bat) that includes the command to silently install WinRAR.

Example content for the batch file:

batch

@echo off

REM Path to the WinRAR installer

set WinRARInstallerPath=\your-server\path-to\WinRAR.exe

REM Install WinRAR silently

"%WinRARInstallerPath%" /S

2.Store the batch file and the WinRAR executable:

Place the batch file and the WinRAR executable in a shared folder on a server that all client machines can access.

3.Configure Group Policy:

Open the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) on your domain controller.

Create a new GPO or edit an existing one that is applied to the client computers where you want to install WinRAR.

Navigate to Computer Configuration -> Policies -> Windows Settings -> Scripts (Startup/Shutdown).

Click on Startup, then click Add.

Browse to the batch file you created and add it.

4.Ensure permissions:

Make sure the shared folder and the files have the necessary permissions set so that all client computers can access and execute the script.

Here's a brief summary of the steps:

1.Create a batch file to install WinRAR silently.

2.Place the batch file and the WinRAR executable in a shared network location.

3.Use Group Policy to configure a startup script that runs the batch file.

After setting this up, when the client computers restart, they should execute the startup script and install WinRAR.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou

Thanks for the reply.

I tried this method but it's not working.
I ensured that the folder is accessible from client computers, but still the system doesn't get the software installation.

Hello

Greetings!

Please restart the client machine 2-3 times and check if the GPO settings are replied.

For checking Computer Configuration within gpresult, we can follow steps below.

Logon this machine using administrator account.

Open CMD (run as Administrator).

Type gpresult /h C:\gpo.html and click Enter.

Open gpo.html and check gpo setting under "Computer Details".

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou

Hello Daisy Zhou123
Thanks for the reply.

But I'm still stuck on this. Now, whenever I start my system, it pops up for admin credentials to allow software installation. I just can't resolve the issues. I tried it with a change in script as well, but I haven't found the solution yet.

Hello

Greetings！

Does it need to provide the administrator credential if you install it on one client machine?

it pops up for admin credentials to allow software installation. I just can't resolve the issues.

A: If you provide the admin credentials, does the software installation install automatically?

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou